As a perpetual night owl in my first 50 years, I never imagined I'd look forward to rise before sun-up. Now the wee morning hours are my favorite time of day. I treasure the quiet and stillness to do my own thing before the waking world issues its demands.

Each weekday morning, I wake between 5:30 and 6:30 am. I make tea, feed the dogs, meditate, journal (with a SAD light in the winter), and walk the dogs.

How do your mornings flow? Do you ease into the day or dive in deep?

My morning routine has taken a few years to shape. Life circumstances have influenced some positive changes. To build new habits and refine others, I've turned to coaches and accountability buddies. Here's how mine came together:

• The pandemic has helped me shift to an earlier bedtime. 😴
• A six-month immersion in a mediation program guided me build a regular meditation practice. 😌
• I learned the value of writing morning pages years ago from The Artist's Way, and I started doing them consistently in 2019. 🖊
• My neighbor and I have an easy way of checking in for our morning walks with the dogs, who are very good at reminding me that we need to get outside. 🐕🦮

My days don't usually flow as well if I miss a step in my morning routine. At the same time, I've found it helps to allow myself forgiveness when I slip — like when I don't want to walk outside in subzero temps. I try not to allow more than two missed days in a row.

What's your morning routine? I'd love to hear your tips and tricks to starting the day off right.

Best,

Heidi

SANGHA SPOTLIGHT

I'm consistently inspired by Chance York, a fellow yoga teacher from Samadhi. He has an adventurous, all-in spirit and a keen ability to actualize his big ideas. Case in point: Outside Chance, his new video series with Twin Cities Public Television.

Navigating life with a mindset of abundance, Chance helps others find opportunity within themselves as well. He works in Integrative Health & Wellness at YMCA North. He coaches people to sow their own "Seeds of Success" in movtivational workshops. And, through traditional Hatha postures and movements, he guides meditative, introspective yoga classes.

I've had great moments of personal reflection in Chance's classes. He's one of my favorite yoga teachers.

I've invited Chance to fill in for my Sunday Morning Flow virtual class on March 13 as I'll be traveling. Check out his class — I'm sure you'll dig it.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Sunday Morning Flow - Virtual

March 6 at 11 am

An easy-going class with meditation, stretching, movement, and breath work. Approachable for all levels of experience, this class is unscripted so it can be shaped to the present moment needs of those in attendance. 

Tuesday Evening Flow & Restore - Virtual

March 8 at 7:30 pm

This class helps you unwind from the day and find time for rest. It starts with 30-45 minutes of stretch and gentle movement, followed by 30 minutes of cozy yin and restorative yoga — extended restful poses supported with lots of blankets and pillows. We finish with a guided Yoga Nidra practice where you find a zone between sleep and wakefulness. 

Friday Morning Flow - Virtual

March 11 at 9:30 am

An energizing class with meditation, stretching, movement, and breath work. Approachable for all levels of experience. 

Videos on Demand - Virtual

24/7 - Whenever You Need It

I've been building my video library so you can take classes at your convenience. You'll find 12-minute, 60-minute, and 75-minute yoga classes and meditations, rentable for a week at a time.

PAY YOUR WAY

I offer a quite a few ways to pay for your yoga experience, from drop-in rates to class packages to monthly membership.

Because I believe yoga should be inclusive and accessible for all, I offer a special rate for Black, Indigenous, and people of color as well as for anyone experiencing economic hardship. Use the code COMMUNITY for a 50% discount on drop-in rates and class packages.